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This Braiding Rhythms: The Role of Bell Patterns in West African and Afro-Caribbean Music lesson plan also includes:
- Braiding Rhythms: The Role of Bell Patterns in West African and Afro-Caribbean Music (.html)
- “Las leyendas de Grecia” by Grupo Afrocuba
- Liner Notes for “Las leyendas de Grecia” (.pdf)
- “Gome” from Folk Music of Ghana
- “Mambo Beat” by Tito Puente
- “Yambú (Rumba)” from Music of Cuba
- Liner Notes for Music of Cuba (.pdf)
- “Salute to a Chief” from African and Afro-American Drums
- Liner Notes for African and Afro-American Drums
- Activity
- Map
- Assessment
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Africans transported to the Caribbean as part of the transatlantic slave trade brought with them a rich tradition of music and dance. Four lessons teach young musicians the rumba clave rhythm, cascara rhythm, and the 6/8 bell patterns from Nigeria and Cuba. Instructors use handclaps to teach the patterns while class members follow along. Once learners are comfortable with the rhythm, instructors model step dance patterns and the class joins the fun.
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Concepts
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
- Plan for pupils enrolled in music classes practice and present the various rhythms and dances during Black History Month celebrations
- Invite a member of the music department to present the lessons in a social studies unit study of the slave trade
Classroom Considerations
- Sticks, mambo bells, and shakers can be added
- While designed for music classes, the activity is also appropriate for non-music majors—classes do not need access to instruments
- Requires access to music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Ghana, and Nigeria
- A materials list provides links to different audio recordings that may be purchased
Pros
- The four-lesson packet includes detailed plans, an image of the clave and a timbale, maps of the Caribbean area, West Africa, and a world map
Cons
- None